Three dimensional motion-producing mechanism



E. I. EGID 3,444,746

THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION'PRODUCING MECHANISM May 20, 1969 Sheet of Filed April 21, 1967 INVENTOR.

AT TORNEY E. l. EGID 3,444,745

THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION-PRODUCING MECHANISM May 20, 1969 Sheet 2 Filed April 21', 1967 INVENTOR.

A1- TORNEY y 0. 1969 E. l. EGID 3,444,746

THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION-PRODUCING MECHANISM Filed April 21, 1967 Sheet 3 of 4 [D L Ll.

g x Q L, 1: INVENTOR. P sums/vs .2". 56/0 Lfi BY V v ATTORNEY M y 20, 1969 E. EGID 3,444,746

THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION-PRODUCING MECHANISM Filed April 21, 1967 Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

A TORNEY United States Patent 3,444,746 THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION-PRODUCING MECHANISM Eugene I. Egid, 1 Short St., Dumont, NJ. 07628 Filed Apr. 21, 1967, Ser. No. 632,702 Int. Cl. F16h 21/42 US. Cl. 74-42 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An eccentric drive and a pivoted guide wtih a connecting rod linked between the drive and guide to rotatively oscillate the latter, and a lever pivoted to the guide and connected by a linkage to the connecting rod for transmitting motion from the latter to the lever, giving in effect a three dimensional in-line motion, resembling a figure 8 or rhomboidal outline, oscillating on a spherical path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to three dimensional motion-producing mechanisms, and is especially concerned with an in-line mechanism for producing a single or double closed configuration of movement.

SUMMARY While the mechanism of the present invention has been already employed in a device requiring a reciprocating and shockless motion with dwell periods at the turning points (the patent application for this mentioned device will shortly follow), it is appreciated that mechanical movement in a closed configuration either single or double closed configurations, is capable of many varied applications, all of which are intended to be comprehended herein, say in:

(a) 3 dimensional plotting and tracing devices,

(b) machine tool controls,

(c) feeding and transporting mechanisms,

(d) reciprocally sliding members, requiring uniform and shockless motion,

(e) mixers and kneading mechanisms,

and still a variety of unexplored applications.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a simple and unique structure for producing a closed configuration, either single or double, of mechanical movement, where the input rotary motion is transformed into an oscillating harmonic motion in output with dwell periods at 0 and 180 degrees of the crank input. Without changes in the input crank, the output stroke may be increased or decreased merely by replacing the pivoting pin in the linkage. The increase or decrease of the stroke will occur unidirectionally only, an additional important feature. When the input and the output are in line, less space is required. The design specifications frequently dictante that all shafting be in line, though in-line mechanisms are rare.

The motion in this mechanism is completely shockless and noiseless. The wear in the moving parts is negligible, because all of the linkages perform only a partial radial motion forth and back. This feature permits this mechanism to run at high speeds, and very high mechanical efficiency.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a motion producing mechanism having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is durable and reliable throughout a long and useful life, and can be economically manufactured for use.

3,444,746 Patented May 20, 1969 ICC BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view showing a motion-producing mechanism constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and partly in section for increased clarity of understanding, certain alternative positions being shown in dot-and-dash outline.

FIGURES 2, 2A, 2B and 2C are top plan views showing the several positions of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the configuration of movement illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 2C.

FIGURE 3A is a graph illustrating the unidirectional increment of motion and the velocity/time relation (dwell) with respect to FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 4 is a partial side elevational view similar to FIGURE 1, diagrammatically representing the configuration of motion, and illustrating an alternative position of adjustment.

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view similar to FIG- URE 1, but showing an alternative condition of use, and illustrating several positions of movement in this condition.

FIGURES 6, 6A, 6B and 6C are top plan views of the device of FIGURE 5 in the several positions thereof.

FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic top plan view illustrating the configuration of movement of the device of FIG- URES 5 through 60, illustrating an alternative path of movement in dot-and-dash outline.

FIGURE 7A is a graph illustrating the unidirectional increment of motion and the velocity/ time relation (dwell) with respect to FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 8 is a partial side elevational view of the device of FIGURE 5, illustrating the configuration of movement and an alternative configuration.

DESCRIPTION 'OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES 1-4 thereof, the device shown in FIGURE 1 is ganerally designated 10, and includes a bed or baseplate 11, which may be generally horizontal, as illustrated. At one location on the bed 11 is mounted an eccentric drive 12, including a crank or wheel 13 on the upper side of the bed 11 carrying a shaft 14 depending through the bed and rotatably supported therein, as by ball bearings 15 or other suitable journal means. On the underside of the bed 11, keyed or otherwise fixed to the shaft 14, may be a drive element 16, pulley, or the like, for connection to a motor or other suitable power source. The crank or wheel 13 is disposed generally horizontally and carries on its upper side an upstanding pivotal connection or pin 17 parallel to and offset from the shaft 14 for eccentric movement about the axis of the shaft.

Thus, the crank or wheel 13 is rotatable about the generally vertical axis of shaft 14, the pin 17 moving eccentrically about the rotative axis.

At a location spaced from that of the eccentric drive 12, the bed 11 carries a guide 20. The guide may include an upright or post 21 upstanding from the upper side of the bed 11, and carrying on its lower end a shaft or pin 21a depending through the bed. The depending shaft or pin 21a is rotatably journaled in the bed 11, as by ball bearing 22, or other suitable journaling means, and carries on its lower end a retaining member or washer 23 to hold the post in its upstanding position on the bed while permitting oscillation of the post. That is, the post 21 is mounted for oscillation about its longitudinal axis, coincident with the axis of pin 21, being generally parallel to and spaced from the axis of drive 12, namely shaft 14.

The guidepost 21 may be of a bifurcated configuration, being formed with a slot, cutout or notch 24 extending downwardly from the upper end of the post, opening laterally through opposite sides thereof, and terminating at a location spaced above the lower end of the post and above the bed 11. The cutout 24 subdivides the post into a pair of upstanding legs 25 and 26, while the cutout itself serves to provide a guideway, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

An elongate connecting rod or bar extends generally horizontally having one end connected to the eccentric drive 12 by a pivotal connection to the pin 17. From the pin 17, the connecting rod 30 extends slidably through the cutout or guideway 24 of post 21, between the legs 25 and 26, and therebeyond. Retaining members or pins 31 may extend across the guideway 24, between the legs 25 and 26, just over the connecting rod 30, to retain the latter in the lower region of the guideway while permitting longitudinal sliding movement of the connecting rod through the guideway. Thus, upon rotation of the eccentric drive 12, the connecting rod 30 is caused to rotate with the eccentric drive, continuous rotation thereof effecting a rotative oscillation of the guide 20, and a longitudinal sliding movement of the connecting rod relative to the guide.

A lever 33 is interposed in the cutout 24 between guidepost legs 25 and 26, having one or more spaced holes formed therethrough, as at 34 and 35. Holes 34 and 35 are arranged at longitudinally spaced locations along the lever 33, and may be greater or less in number, as desired. A pivot pin 36 extends through one of the holes, say hole 34, having its opposite ends supported by respective guidepost legs 25 and 26, adjacent to and spaced from the upper ends thereof, while the lever 33 depends from the pin 36 generally toward the rod 30. It will thus be apparent that the lever 35 is mounted for rotative oscillation with the guide 20, about the longitudinal upstanding axis of the guide, and is further swingable relative to the guide about the mounting axis of pin 36 as between the positions shown in phantom in FIGURE 1.

A link 40 is pivotally connected between the connecting rod 30 and lever 33. In particular, the link 40 includes an angulate depending portion 41 extending into position between a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending end legs 42 and 43 of the connecting rod 30, remote from the eccentric drive 12. Suitable pivotal connection means, such as a pin 44 passes through the connecting-rod leg end extensions 42 and 43, and the intermediate link extension 41, lying in a generally horizontal plane, to pivotally connect together the connecting rod and link. The link 40 extends from its connection to the connecting rod 30 into the guidepost cutout 24, and is there pivotally connected to the lower end of the lever 33. For example, the link 40 may be provided with a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinal end extensions or legs 45 and 46, receiving therebetween the lower end of lever 33, with a pin 47 extending generally horizontally through the legs 45 and 46 and the intermediate portion of lever 33.

It will be apparent, that upon continuous unidirectional rotation of eccentric drive 12, the connecting rod 30 is afforded the combined oscillative and longitudinal sliding movement discussed hereinbefore, and further that the movement of connecting rod 30 is transmitted to lever 33 through link 40. The link 33 is thereby caused to have rotative oscillation with the guide 20 about the upstanding axis thereof, simultaneously with swinging movement about the pivotal support 36, which extends transversely or normal to and intersects with the axis of rotative oscillation of the guide 20.

The lever 33 extends upwardly beyond its pivotal mounting pin 36, and is there provided with an angulate extension or arm 50 carrying on its upper end a freely rotatable roller 51 mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal supporting pin or axle 52. That is, the arm 50 extends obliquely from the upper end of lever 33,

4 on one side of the axis of pin 36, and carries on its distal end the roller 51. It will be observed that the lever 33, below its supporting pin 36 moves through an are located entirely on one side of the arm-supporting pin 36 and the rotational axis of the guide 24 see the phantom positions shown in FIGURE 1. However, the arm 50 and its roller 51 move in an are through and on opposite sides of the pivot pin 36 and axis of guide 20.

This motion is illustrated in FIGURES 2, 2A, 2B and 20, wherein FIGURE 2 corresponds to the solid-line position of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2A corresponds to the phantom position A in FIGURE 1, while FIGURE 2B corresponds to the phantom position B in FIGURE 1. FIGURE 20 also corresponds to the phantom position A in FIGURE 1.

Upon successive movement through the positions of FIGURES 2-2C, the roller 51 defines a double closed configuration of movement, as indicated by the figure eight 53, shown in FIGURES 3 and 4.

If it is desired to adjust the figure eight 53, see FIG- URES 3 and 4, to enlarge one lobe of the double closed configuration, this may be accomplished by mounting lever 33 on a lower hole, say having the hole 35 receive the pivotal support pin 36. In this condition, the right-hand lobe may be enlarged, as shown in phantom at 54 in FIG- URES 3 and 4.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGURES 5-7, the motion-producing mechanism is there generally designated 10a, and is essentially similar to the device 10, including a bed 11, eccentric drive 12, guide 20, connecting rod 30 and link 40, all identical to corresponding pertinent parts of the first-described embodiment. However, the lever 33a is arranged reversely with respect to the lever 33, having an oblique upper end arm 50a extending on the opposite side of the guide axis as the arm 50. The roller 51a is thus located on the opposite side of the guide axis as the roller 51. By this arrangement, the arm 50a and roller 51a move through an are entirely on one side of the guide axis, the side opposite to movement of the lever 33a with link 40. The phantom position C, shown in FIG- URE 5, corresponds to the positions of FIGURES 6A and 6C, while the phantom position D corresponds to the position of FIGURE 6B.

By this arrangement, the arm 50a and its roller 51a are moved through a single closed configuration, as at 53a in FIGURE 7. This closed configuration of movement may be elonagted by elevation of the lever 33a for support on pin 36a through a lower hole 35a, to produce a movement, as at 54a in FIGURE 7,

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a motion-producing mechanism which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture and use.

What is claimed is:

1. A motion-producing mechanism comprising an eccentric drive, a pivoted guide fixedly spaced from said drive, a connecting rod pivoted to said drive and slidably received by said guide for rotative oscillation with said guide and simultaneous sliding of said rod relative to said guide, a lever pivotally connected to said guide for oscillation therewith and swingable about an axis transverse of the axis of said pivoted guide, and a link having spaced locations pivotally connected to said lever and rod for movement with the latter to effect motion of said lever.

2. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 1, said guide comprising a post mounted for oscillation about an axis generally parallel to that of said drive.

3. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 2, said lever being pivoted to said post for swinging movement about an axis intersecting the axis of oscillation of said post.

4. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 1, in combination with an arm extending from said lever beyond the pivotal connection thereof to said guide for swinging movement with said lever.

5. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 4, said arm being located for movement through an arc on one side of said guide rotation axis, whereby said arm motion defines a closed configuration.

6. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 4, said arm being located for movement through an arc extending on both sides of said guide oscillation axis, whereby said arm motion defines a double closed configuration.

7. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 4, said guide comprising a post mounted for oscillation about an axis generally parallel to that of said drive, and said lever being pivoted to said post for swinging movement about an axis intersecting with the axis of oscillation of said post.

8. A motion-producing mechanism according to claim 4, in combination with adjustment means to selectively locats the pivotal connection of said lever to said guide to change the relative length of said lever and arm for adjusting the stroke of said arm.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,284,932 6/1942 Thiemann 7444 2,348,027 5/ 1944 Phillas 7442 2,431,493 11/ 1947 McIlrath 7445 3,134,266 5/1964 Wallace 7444 3,139,761 7/1964 Gindroz 7442 XR 3,171,287 3/1965 Jesse 7444 FRED c. MATTERN, ]R., Primary Examiner.

MANUEL ANTONAKAS, Assistant Examiner. 

